HC Deb 23 March 1939 vol 345 cc1455-6
69. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the very unsatisfactory water supply serving the people of Holm, Isle of Lewis, who have to draw water from a shallow surface pool open to contamination; and what early action is to be taken by the Scottish Department of Health and the local authority?

The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Wedderburn)

I understand from a report recently obtained by the county council that the existing water supply for the nine occupied crofts at Holm is not regarded as satisfactory. The supply is not one which has been provided by the council under its statutory powers. The Department of Health for Scotland are communicating with the council on the subject and I shall write to the hon. Member when the authority's decision is known.

Mr. MacMillan

Is the hon. Member aware that this particular shallow surface pool is a favourite parking place for seagulls and other birds, and will he treat this matter as one of urgency?

Mr. Wedderburn

I have seen a report drawn up by the sanitary inspector which does bear out that statement, and I hope that it may be possible to find some means of dealing with this case.

Mr. H. G. Williams

Is this one of the homes from home to which tourists are invited to go?